Helping immigrant students

Mount Druitt Ethnic Communities Agency
Empathic. Dedicated. Passionate

Emma Smith has smoothed the path for countless school-aged immigrants in her five years with the Mount Druitt Ethnic Communities Agency (MECA).

Emma is busy with full-time university studies but still finds time to volunteer with the non-profit’s youth mentoring program for disadvantaged high school students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who are at risk of dropping out.

The students are matched with mentors who help them build their skills and confidence and reinforce the importance of education for a bright future.

Emma rose to the challenge after COVID-19 lockdowns brought a halt to the program last year. When schools reopened, she worked hard to get the mentoring program back on track for stressed students.

Emma has also changed young lives through the non-profit’s homework support club.

It’s the flicker of understanding in students’ eyes and their bright smiles as they grasp a new concept that pushes her to do more and work harder for them.

Emma is humbled to be nominated as a Westfield Local Hero. “I choose to do this work because it brings me joy and because of the strong sense of community at MECA that makes it an exciting place to be,” she says.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. Mount Druitt Ethnic Communities will use its funds to support the mentoring program, including three educational excursions and job readiness workshops.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here